After three years, we have learned to accept the massive amount of junk television that our favorite networks feed us. Sometimes referred to as “reality” television, popular networks like MTV and VH1 are bursting at the seams with these documentary-style television series.
The crown jewel of reality television, featuring the people we just can’t seem to escape, is the fist-pumping, spaghetti-loving cast of “Jersey Shore.”
This mix of both authentic and pseudo-Italians forms a cast that has captivated us with its unique lifestyle since the pilot episode first aired on MTV in 2009. And by captivate, I don’t necessarily mean in a good way. The show seemed to receive just as much criticism as it did praise, if not more.
But in the midst of drunken rages and relationship quarrels, Jersey Shore managed to weasel its guido lifestyle and culture into the American public eye, changing our views on America’s cultural diversity forever.
Whether you will be thankful or heartbroken to say goodbye to the shore after the sixth season this fall, the cast is sure to go out with a bang. Jersey Shore was never my cup of tea, but I have had my moments of caving, stopping on the popular show while mindlessly flipping through channels.
I have to admit I consistently got a good laugh out of it. I was always entertained by the meathead conversations and their insane endurance when it comes to partying.
But even the inconsistent viewers like myself saw the cast of Jersey Shore evolve and, in some ways, grow during its time on the air. Snooki’s unconventional pregnancy forced her to make better decisions, like dropping the party scene cold turkey. Mike “The Situation” talks often about his life-altering experience in rehab. So far, The Situation has managed to stay sober this season, despite the habits of his roommates.
Resisting the temptations of alcohol may not seem like a huge accomplishment to everyone, but for this cast, each sober night is a victory. That’s just their lifestyle.
The guido culture, as we have learned to call it, has become its own recognizable lifestyle today. From the gelled hair to the distinct jargon, this Italian-rooted culture has become an accepted norm. I can now use “GTL,” “grenade” and “T-shirt-time” fluently in conversation.
With the show coming to an end, I thought we should take one last look at the unique culture it unveiled for the rest of America.
Guidos and guidettes are known as Italian-Americans with tan skin, manicured nails who always appreciate tossing back a few (or more) drinks for a good night out. If you haven’t given in and seen an episode, this famous clan of guidos all sport the same dark hair, tanning-bed-made skin, and thick Jersey accents. They talk loud and have a hardcore appreciation for their family roots. They dedicate a whole day to go to the gym, tan, and get their laundry done.
Like the cast of Jersey Shore, a guido does not necessarily have to be an Italian-American. Alpha females Snooki and JWoww aren’t even Italian — but they’re practically the face of guidette culture.
The cultural dent they left on America, especially our generation, is huge. Their loud and vibrant ways made different lifestyles more acceptable and apparent to the rest of the U.S.
Before the reality TV show, culture seemed to be defined by skin color or country of origin. Today, culture is not just the blood that runs through our veins but a compilation of the terminology, image and values we gained from the community we were raised in and chose to live by.
This year we bid a bittersweet farewell to the guidos and guidettes who paved the way for everyone else. Snookie, JWoww, Mike “The Situation”, Pauly D, Vinny, Sammi, Ronnie and Deena will be leaving the shore house for good. But while Jersey Shore leaves MTV, the guido lifestyle they brought with them will be left embedded as a part of America forever.
While I highly suggest you leave the excessive binge drinking, drunken tantrums and poorly functioning relationships to these famous guidos, know that they expanded America’s definition of culture. They unintentionally showed us that diversity is not just about skin color but can also be derived from our individual upbringings and exposures.
Since the premiere of Jersey Shore, the loud and eccentric lifestyle has spread across the country and doesn’t show any signs of disappearing with the conclusion of the show.
But admit it, you love to get a good fist pump in when you put on the shirt before the shirt.
